Uplink Resource Allocation for Small Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transmission methods in mobile cellular networks for machine-type communication (MTC) face inefficiencies due to high signaling overhead, particularly when handling small data packets, which can degrade network performance and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of specific and non-specific resource pools for user equipment (UE) to perform random access procedures, allowing data transmission without establishing an RRC connection when certain conditions are met, such as small data sizes or favorable channel conditions, enabling efficient allocation of uplink resources based on pre-defined thresholds and channel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RRC connection establishment procedure is used for data transmission, then connection reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access procedure into two distinct types: contention-based random access for traditional connection establishment, and contention-free random access for efficient small data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate access method based on data size and requirements, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining connection reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing small data transmissions to occur without completing the full RRC connection establishment procedure. Instead, the system performs a simplified random access procedure that is sufficient for small data packets, avoiding the excessive signaling overhead of complete connection establishment while still achieving reliable transmission for small payloads.
2Reliability
If RRC connection establishment is performed for every data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic selection between two random access procedures based on real-time conditions including data size, channel quality, and network configuration. The system dynamically chooses contention-based or contention-free access, adapting to current requirements and avoiding unnecessary power consumption from full connection establishment when simple random access suffices for small data transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of random access procedure selection based on data size thresholds and channel conditions. When data size is below a threshold and channel conditions are favorable, the system switches from full RRC connection establishment to simplified random access, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate transmission reliability for small payloads.
3Productivity
If specific resource pools are allocated for random access, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments random access resources into specific resource pools dedicated for small data transmission and general resource pools for traditional access. This segmentation enables efficient utilization of resources for small data packets while maintaining backward compatibility. The segmentation is managed through standardized signaling from the network, keeping device complexity manageable through clear, structured resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention proposes efficient data transmission methods in the mobile cellular network. A specific resource pool is divided into several resource groups to indicate the size level of the data available for transmission. The base station allocates a proper UL grant to the terminal. Based on the allocated UL grant, the terminal compares the granted Transport Block (TB) size with the size of data available for transmission. If the UL grant is large enough, the terminal transmits the data available for transmission in the allocated UL resource, otherwise, re-attempts the random access procedure. In another example, the terminal transmits a BSR message and as much of the data as is available for transmission. The base station may grant additional UL resources if there is remaining data to be transmitted. A timer is used for the terminal to decide whether waiting for the additional UL grant from the base station.